Searching for a Compass: A Role for Spiritual Constructs for the IDT Workflow When the Course Isn’t Clear

Palliative care teams are frequently called upon when primary teams are stuck and in need of guidance. Many consults involve multiple layers of uncertainty caused by medical complexity, unknown prognoses, confusing emotions, conflicting goals, and more. For clinicians, patients, and families, uncertainty can be paralyzing, and attempts to move forward can be hindered for emotional and logistical reasons. So, what happens when we try to help stuck people, and then become stuck ourselves? Having a sense of groundedness, even in the midst of the uncertainty, can help palliative care teams find a way through the log jam.